Medical professionals in the UAE are raising alarms about the increasing incidents of children accidentally consuming coins, batteries, and other items. These ingestions can result in severe health issues and, in extreme cases, be life-threatening, according to doctors. They highlight the complexities involved and the urgent medical interventions needed in such critical situations.
Recently, a seven-year-old Sudanese girl was brought to Thumbay University Hospital's emergency room after inadvertently swallowing three 1 dirham coins. Although the girl appeared unaffected by the incident, her parents brought her to the hospital out of concern for possible complications. An X-ray showed that one coin was stuck in her esophagus, while the others had moved into her abdomen, necessitating an emergency endoscopy. The doctors instructed the parents to have the child fast for six hours before the procedure to reduce risks. Using specialized tools like basket forceps, they successfully removed the coins without complications. Post-surgery, the child was monitored for two hours, and no injuries were found, leading to her discharge. The doctors recommended a gradual return to a soft diet after another six-hour rest.
In another incident, an 8-year-old child who had swallowed a lithium battery was admitted to Burjeel Hospital's emergency department in Abu Dhabi. Fortunately, the battery did not obstruct the child's airway. The battery was located in the esophagus, prompting an endoscopic procedure. Doctors across UAE hospitals emphasize the importance of vigilance and safety measures for children.
Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Nabil Abdaziz Elshobary, a specialist and clinical lecturer at Thumbay University Hospital, warns that swallowing foreign objects can lead to life-threatening complications. He notes that items like small toys, batteries, and sharp objects can cause intestinal blockages or perforations, requiring immediate medical attention. Dr. Magdi Mohamed, an emergency medicine consultant at Burjeel Hospital, explains that the response varies depending on whether the object is in the airway or the stomach. He stresses the urgency of removing dangerous items like lithium batteries and the need for endoscopic removal of large metal objects or sharp items.
Doctors advise that if a child has swallowed a foreign object and is not responsive, CPR should be administered. However, if the child is crying or coughing, alternative methods like abdominal thrusts should be used to clear the airway. For infants, a combination of chest thrusts and back slaps is recommended.
